Ally Robertson moots Darren Fletcher as West Brom manager
West Brom need a new manager badly, but their search for one has turned into a farce and Ally Robertson has suggested Darren Fletcher.
The former Baggies captain is currently the technical director at Manchester United after assuming the position in March, but a future in management could still very much be on the cards.
Getting in a proven manager is proving problematic for West Brom, and former centre-back Robertson, who played over 500 games for the club in the 70s and 80s, reckons opting for a greenhorn could be the way to go.
“I’m not against us appointing someone who is just starting out in management,” the Baggies legend told Express and Star.
“There have been problems behind the scenes and I’m worried we won’t attract a manager with experience unless they have struggled in the past. For me we are at a point where we need to start thinking long-term. We need a clear plan.
“So I would be looking at a good professional who knows the game and has strong connections with clubs in the Premier League. Maybe someone like a Darren Fletcher who knows everything going on at Manchester United and would know some 20, 21, 22-years-old to buy or loan.
“I don’t think a big manager will come so I think we have to look for someone who has the potential to be a big manager.”
Good suggestion
Fletcher spent two-and-a-half years at the Hawthorns after joining from Man Utd in January 2015, and has had some experience coaching.
The former Scotland international returned to his childhood club in October 2020 to coach their under-16s before becoming first-team coach in January 2021.
He was appointed technical director three months later, and isn’t likely to be keen on leaving right now.
The chance to help lead West Brom back to the Premier League could be appealing, though.
While giving such a young man a chance to become a manager at a huge club makes sense, we just do not see owner Guochuan Lai and CEO Xu Ke thinking in that direction.
Derby County almost secured Premier League promotion in 2019 after appointing Frank Lampard, but came very close to relegating under Wayne Rooney last term.
Such an appointment could go either way, and we can only hope the owner makes the right decision for West Brom.
In other West Brom news, Baggies want to sign English striker who scored 21 goals in 20/21.
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